Drs. Brian and Norma Spittle, The Eye Place, Midlothian, Va., receive the award for Practice of the Year from Dr. Gary Gerber.
MIAMI—The Power Practice, founded by Gary Gerber, OD, celebrated its 10th anniversary with more power during its annual client meeting held here recently. Nearly 200 Power Practice clients gathered for a weekend of practice building, networking, and socializing.

The meeting’s keynote speaker from Franklin Covey examined the power of trust in employer-employee relations, explaining how lack of trust among optometrists and their staff can lead to decreased efficiency, problem-solving, morale and profitability.

Special guests Dean Butler, founder of LensCrafters, and Andrea Dorigo, president of Luxottica Wholesale North America, connected with client attendees about better management ideas. Gerber reviewed the past 10 years of client meetings—from the first meeting in New York City with only 15 doctors attending to the current meeting in Miami. Architect Joost Bende, who specializes in designing health care office space, spoke about creating a healing environment for positive patient experiences. Drs. Brian and Norma Spittle of The Eye Place in Midlothian, Va., received the "Practice of the Year" award.

The Power Band, composed of all clients, played its debut show, featuring special guest 14 year-old Montana Gerber who performed a moving version of "Let It Be."

Gerber said, "This was a very special meeting for our company and the clients we serve. We commemorated our 10-year anniversary by acknowledging all the hard work our clients do in their practices every day and how well that hard work is paying off. We're so proud that our doctors beat the industry's average growth in 2012 by three times and we wanted to thank them by giving them this special weekend of education and camaraderie."

The attendees partied poolside at an evening reception.

A few “Power Band” performers included Dr. Dan Kohansby, (l) on bass, and Dr. Scott Tomasino, (r) on guitar.